Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Only Fools and Horses actor Lennard Pearce met Adolf Hitler, regretted not shooting Nazi leader

'I would have drawn the pistol from one of the bodyguards and I’d have done my best to kill him'

Jack Shepherd
Monday 02 October 2017 12:03 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Nicholas Lyndhurst has revealed a fascinating anecdote from fellow Only Fools And Horses actor Lennard Pearce concerning Adolf Hitler.

Pearce — who played Granddad on the show — apparently met the German leader of the Nazi party while touring Europe during the 1930s and shook his hand.

Years later, the actor spoke to colleagues about how he regretted the not shooting Hitler there and then.

“He was a young actor touring Europe and they were playing some German city and the Nazis walked in,” Lyndhurst said.

“The top honchos of the Nazi party had seen the play and came to congratulate them ­afterwards. Lennard shook hands with Adolf Hitler.

“He only ever told me once, but he said, ‘Had I known then what I know now, I would have drawn the pistol from one of the bodyguards and I’d have done my best to kill him.’”

Lennard played Granddad on the BBC sitcom for four series before dying aged 69. Recently, a previously unaired episode of the show was discovered, featuring the actor’s final appearance.

Lyndhurst revelled the anecdote on The Story of Only Fools And Horses which will air tomorrow on Dave.

Follow Independent Culture on Facebook for the latest news, video and features

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in